Recap: Connect's Classroom with a Product Pro

In case you missed it, we recently hosted our first Connect Classroom with a Product Pro featuring veteran Connect user and long-time community member @AlanSmithee. We had received many requests for resources for users who were familiar with the general ins and outs of Connect, but wanted more in-depth product trainings and resources for taking their knowledge to the next level. As a very active member on Ask the Experts over the past few years, AlanSmithee reviewed the most frequently asked questions he’s seen from other product users, and also guided attendees through demos of some of the more advanced features on Connect. Continue reading to check out some of the Q&As covered during the webinar - and watch the recording for the full classroom experience!

Q: I added a bunch of contacts - why are they not visible?

A: After contacts are added to Connect, they undergo a two-week opt out period before their information becomes visible on the site. Contacts are notified that they’ve been added to the site, and are given two weeks from the add date to opt out of the database before we make their information visible to the community.

Q: My point balance decreased even though I didn’t buy any contacts - what happened?

A: If you add or update a contact or company, but another user deactivates the contact or updates the same field within 45 days, you will be penalized up to -10 points.

Q: Why didn’t the LinkedIn button next to the Contact Card work?

A: This function pastes the contact name & company name into LinkedIn search fields. If the name or company is misspelled slightly, the contact won’t appear in LinkedIn. Search LinkedIn using a shorter version of the company/name or by removing company name entirely for contacts to appear.

Q: The email of a contact bounced. How can I find the correct email?

A: An email verifier can tell you if an email is valid, bad, or inconclusive. Also, look at the Business Card History on the contact card to see if other emails were added previously but removed by users or BOTs. Business Card History is visible only AFTER you have purchased a contact.

Q: How can I search by SIC or NAISC Code?

A: If you have a library card, check your library’s website. Go to their business electronic resources where you will find the ReferenceUSA Business Database to search by SIC/NAISC Code. Search results can be exported from ReferenceUSA to .csv or excel and then uploaded into Connect. You can also use ReferenceUSA to update company revenue and # employees.

Q: How come I uploaded 500+ contacts, but minimal or no points?

A: Bulk Uploads are rejected or points are not awarded for many reasons, including:

Want to see more advanced Connect info from our first virtual classroom? Check out the Past Webinars section of our site, where you can access the slides and recording from this webinar, as well as all of our other previous webinars! We had a great turnout for our first classroom - stay tuned for more new resources coming your way soon!